Ship feeding salmons fishfarms at sea

Boosting ocean innovation across borders

The Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA) will connect more than 20 clusters across seafood, energy and maritime sectors into one coordinated platform. Through a shared digital infrastructure and a cross-border accelerator program, companies will be able to test, validate and scale solutions faster across markets.

At the core of NOCA is a clear ambition: to make it easier for small and medium-sized companies to succeed internationally. At least 25 companies will gain access to a Nordic ecosystem of partners, investors and expertise improving their access to markets and capital.

“For SMEs, joining a Nordic cluster accelerator may open doors that would otherwise take years to unlock. Suddenly, they’re connected to relevant partners, customers, and expertise across the region, which creates very real and immediate value,” says Elisabeth Remøy, Senior Advisor at ÅKP.

The project will also strengthen companies’ investment readiness and facilitate cross-border investor connections.

By establishing shared tools, standards and collaboration structures, the project aims to position the Nordics as one competitive region for sustainable ocean innovation.

Project partners

ÅKP (Norway): A leading innovation company strengthening competitiveness in the ocean and maritime industries through strategy, business development, innovation, and digitalization.
Danish Ocean Cluster (Denmark): A cluster organization dedicated to strengthening innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the blue economy.
Iceland Ocean Cluster (Iceland): An innovation and industry cluster with strong expertise in the blue economy, globally recognized for its 100% fish utilization approach.
A`Pelago (Finland): A leading blue economy ecosystem and innovation company in the Baltic Sea region, connecting more than 2,800 startups, researchers, investors, and industry partners.
Norinnova (Norway): Northern Norway’s largest innovation company, offering a complete innovation pathway from research to investment.

Background

NOCA is supported under the Innovative Solutions for 2030 program. The program aims to accelerate the introduction of solutions for the green transition towards 2030.

Read more about the program here

Contacts

Emil Gejrot Innovation Adviser

Emil Gejrot

Senior Innovation Adviser
Emil has extensive experience of innovation projects and policy analysis in the Nordic region and beyond. Before joining Nordic Innovation, he worked for a research consultancy where he focused on digital transformation, inclusion, and sustainability. He holds an MA in Transcultural Studies and has lived and worked in Sweden, Norway, the UK, and Germany.

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